The Atlantic novel contest: An evaluation of its function of author selection.

Creator

Young, Dorothy Ann, Rockwood, Ruth H., Florida State University

Abstract/Description

Literary contests have been quite popular in recent years among American publishers. Regardless of their merits, such contests have raised two questions for librarians charged with responsibilities for book selection. The first is whether such award winners are of sufficient merit as to justify immediate purchase as a result of their being the recipients of the publisher's prizes, or whether such titles should have the same slow, careful screening that is set up by the library policy for... Show moreLiterary contests have been quite popular in recent years among American publishers. Regardless of their merits, such contests have raised two questions for librarians charged with responsibilities for book selection. The first is whether such award winners are of sufficient merit as to justify immediate purchase as a result of their being the recipients of the publisher's prizes, or whether such titles should have the same slow, careful screening that is set up by the library policy for other new titles. The second question is whether other titles by prize-winning authors could be justified for purchase on the grounds that the authors had been proved of merit in their production of prize-winners, or whether the works other than their prize novels should be subjected to closed scrutiny. For these questions there have been no ready answers. In order to help answer the above questions a study has been made of one publisher's contest, analyzing the Atlantic Novel Prize winners together with a brief survey of later works of the recipients of that award. This study will attempt to show how both the later books by the Atlantic authors and the prize novels have been received immediately by the reviewers and how they have stood the test of time as revealed by their presence or absence in the standard selection aid. Show less

Date Issued

1958

Identifier

FSU_historic_akd9332

Format

Thesis

Title

Best selling religious fiction, 1900-1953.

Creator

Wildner, Gertrude Phillips, Clapp, Robert George, Florida State University

Abstract/Description

"In recent years the writer has noted from time to time the recurrence on best seller lists of titles that could be called, because of the setting, characterization, and problems, religious fiction. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the titles of religious fiction for the period 1900-1953 with view to determining how many such novels achieved best seller status; of ascertaining what types have been widely read; and with view of determining what in the minds of authors and reviewers was... Show more"In recent years the writer has noted from time to time the recurrence on best seller lists of titles that could be called, because of the setting, characterization, and problems, religious fiction. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the titles of religious fiction for the period 1900-1953 with view to determining how many such novels achieved best seller status; of ascertaining what types have been widely read; and with view of determining what in the minds of authors and reviewers was the need served and the reason for their popularity. No attempt will be made to show that these books ought to be read, that they are outstanding literature, or that they will necessarily live--the aim is to show that the religious novel is a force that cannot be ignored in the study of fiction and current trends in writing"--Introduction. Show less

Date Issued

1955

Identifier

FSU_historic_akd9132

Format

Thesis

Title

A bio-bibliography of Carl Jonas.

Creator

Pitzer, John D., Florida State University

Abstract/Description

"Born in Omaha, Nebraska, and presently residing in Aspen, Colorado, Carl Jonas has located four of his five novels as well as his two published short stories in the Middle West. Mr. Jonas has written five novels published since 1945, when his first novel appeared. He has written book-length fiction exclusively since that time and it is as a novelist, somewhat regional, then, that we shall regard him. The purpose of this paper is to give a sketch of the life of Carl Jonas, to make a survey of... Show more"Born in Omaha, Nebraska, and presently residing in Aspen, Colorado, Carl Jonas has located four of his five novels as well as his two published short stories in the Middle West. Mr. Jonas has written five novels published since 1945, when his first novel appeared. He has written book-length fiction exclusively since that time and it is as a novelist, somewhat regional, then, that we shall regard him. The purpose of this paper is to give a sketch of the life of Carl Jonas, to make a survey of the criticism of all of his writing to date, and to present a bibliography of those works"--Introduction. Show less

Date Issued

1958

Identifier

FSU_historic_akd6786

Format

Thesis

Title

A comparison and contrast of the teaching of reading in colonial Massachusetts during the 17th century with that of Florida during the mid-twentieth century : a paper.

Creator

Roberts, Marguerite P., DeGraff, Mark H., Florida State University

Abstract/Description

"The aim of this study is to compare and contrast the teaching of reading in Colonial Massachusetts during the seventeenth century with the teaching of reading in Florida during the mid-twentieth century. The content and method of teaching during any period is interwoven with the character of the social order which includes the government and the nature of the child as conceived of by the adult. Therefore, the character of the government and the nature of the child as conceived by the adult... Show more"The aim of this study is to compare and contrast the teaching of reading in Colonial Massachusetts during the seventeenth century with the teaching of reading in Florida during the mid-twentieth century. The content and method of teaching during any period is interwoven with the character of the social order which includes the government and the nature of the child as conceived of by the adult. Therefore, the character of the government and the nature of the child as conceived by the adult during seventeenth century Massachusetts is presented. The character of the government and the nature of the child as conceived by the adult in twentieth century United States is also given. A summary is made. This constitutes chapter two. In chapter three a comparison and contrast of the teaching of reading in these two periods are given, and a summary is made. In chapter four conclusions are drawn and implications are given"--Introduction. Show less

Date Issued

1950

Identifier

FSU_historic_aku8593

Format

Thesis

Title

A description and evaluation of paintings, September 1957-May 1959.

Creator

Messing, Joseph B., Florida State University

Abstract/Description

This paper is intended to be a discussion of the paintings which comprise the candidate's exhibition and which represent the product of two years' work as a graduate student at Florida State University.

Date Issued

1959

Identifier

FSU_historic_akz9859

Format

Thesis

Title

Friends of American Writers book award.

Creator

Wells, Rebecca M., Reed, Sarah Rebecca, Florida State University

Abstract/Description

"Since an award is an indication that someone believes a book is superior or significant in some respect, knowledge of literary prizes is of obvious value to a librarian responsible for the selection of suitable books to meet patrons' needs and interests. With this in mind I have undertaken a study of the annual book award of the Friends of American Writers. The purpose of this paper is to describe the prize and the F.A.W. Award books since 1948, when a change in policy raised the annual book... Show more"Since an award is an indication that someone believes a book is superior or significant in some respect, knowledge of literary prizes is of obvious value to a librarian responsible for the selection of suitable books to meet patrons' needs and interests. With this in mind I have undertaken a study of the annual book award of the Friends of American Writers. The purpose of this paper is to describe the prize and the F.A.W. Award books since 1948, when a change in policy raised the annual book award to $1,000, to examine the prize-winning books in relation to the opinion of the critics, to determine the meaning of 'high ideals' as expressed by the group offering the award, and to find how the prize-winning selections are chosen"--Introduction. Show less

Date Issued

1960

Identifier

FSU_historic_akd9129

Format

Thesis

Title

James Daugherty: Contemporary author-illustrator of books for young people.

Creator

Stemple, Ruth M., Gregory, Agnes, Florida State University

Abstract/Description

"The purpose of this paper is three-fold: to give a brief sketch of the life of James Daugherty and the development of his art; to summarize the contemporary criticism of his work as to his ability as an author-illustrator for children; and to assemble a bibliography of his contributions to art and literature. The portion concerned with critical analysis has been limited to those books both written and illustrated by Mr. Daugherty"--Introduction.

Date Issued

1955

Identifier

FSU_historic_akd9356

Format

Thesis

Title

The Literary Guild of America: A study of its selections for the year 1948.

Creator

Hula, Anna Marie, Anders, Mary Edna, Florida State University

Abstract/Description

"The purpose of this study, then, is to determine whether or not the monthly selections of The Literary Guild of America are of good enough quality to enable the library staff to accept them as really good choices of current fiction. This paper includes a brief sketch of the history of the Literary Guild which outlines the club's background and selection and distribution policies. Next it presents an examination of each of the twelve titles distributed to Guild members in 1948, followed by a... Show more"The purpose of this study, then, is to determine whether or not the monthly selections of The Literary Guild of America are of good enough quality to enable the library staff to accept them as really good choices of current fiction. This paper includes a brief sketch of the history of the Literary Guild which outlines the club's background and selection and distribution policies. Next it presents an examination of each of the twelve titles distributed to Guild members in 1948, followed by a summary of the findings. An annotated bibliography of the titles selected by the Guild in 1947, arranged in order of issuance to members, is appended to this paper"--Introduction. Show less

Date Issued

1953

Identifier

FSU_historic_akd9203

Format

Thesis

Title

The Pulitzer Prize plays, 1918-1950: An evaluation and appraisal.

Creator

Finch, Mary Jane, Anders, Mary Edna, Florida State University

Abstract/Description

The increase in the number of literary awards has created a selection problem for the librarian in that she is not always able to accept automatically a work solely on the basis of its recognition as a prize winner. It has become necessary that the librarian familiarize herself with the background and program of the body making the award, the works per se and subsequent criticism in order to judge their worth for the library collection. The writer of this paper, recognizing this problem, was... Show moreThe increase in the number of literary awards has created a selection problem for the librarian in that she is not always able to accept automatically a work solely on the basis of its recognition as a prize winner. It has become necessary that the librarian familiarize herself with the background and program of the body making the award, the works per se and subsequent criticism in order to judge their worth for the library collection. The writer of this paper, recognizing this problem, was prompted to investigate the worth of literary awards. A preliminary survey of the awards and critics' reaction to them indicated a more detailed study would be justified. A thorough investigation of all the literary awards would be impossible, but a study restricted to one seemed worthwhile as well as practical. This, in turn, would form a basis for the evaluation of comparable awards, for techniques employed here, in all probability, could be used in a study of other recognized literary works. This paper, therefore, encompasses Pulitzer Prize dramas for 1918 to 1950 and evaluates these dramas, in terms of popular and literary merit. Show less

Date Issued

1953

Identifier

FSU_historic_akd8978

Format

Thesis

Title

Randall Jarrell, a young American poet: An interpretation and annotated bibliography of his work.

Creator

Hebert, Patricia, Clapp, Robert George, Florida State University

Abstract/Description

"But what of those who are just coming into the foreground, just now in the view of the public's eye? Should not their work be organized and presented in some usable and available form, so that one may more readily and more clearly see their development and growth as literary figures. The writer of this paper is attempting to present one young poet in this manner, trying in a cursory way to trace his development from a student-poet to a mature poet of full literary standing, and endeavoring... Show more"But what of those who are just coming into the foreground, just now in the view of the public's eye? Should not their work be organized and presented in some usable and available form, so that one may more readily and more clearly see their development and growth as literary figures. The writer of this paper is attempting to present one young poet in this manner, trying in a cursory way to trace his development from a student-poet to a mature poet of full literary standing, and endeavoring in as complete a manner as possible to bring together an annotated listing of all his published works in such a way as to show his subjects, the forms of expression and the themes that he employs in his writings. The paper itself is not meant to be a conclusive study of the man and his works, but instead is meant to be a beginning guide for those who someday will want to make such a study"--Introduction. Show less

Date Issued

1952

Identifier

FSU_historic_akd5092

Format

Thesis

Title

The Southern review: A history and appraisal.

Creator

Vanderford, Dorothy June, Clapp, Robert George, Florida State University

Abstract/Description

"In writing the organized report of the findings an effort will be made, first, to present a historical sketch of the Review with background information explaining some of its whys and wherefores; secondly to introduce its editors, their work and accomplishment; and thirdly, to call the attention of the reader to the scope, magnitude, and performance of the Southern Review itself. In the course of examination of the journal some exercises in patience were performed; i. e., a listing of all... Show more"In writing the organized report of the findings an effort will be made, first, to present a historical sketch of the Review with background information explaining some of its whys and wherefores; secondly to introduce its editors, their work and accomplishment; and thirdly, to call the attention of the reader to the scope, magnitude, and performance of the Southern Review itself. In the course of examination of the journal some exercises in patience were performed; i. e., a listing of all contributors, the number of the contributions that each made and the volumes in which these contributions appeared; and a chart showing the contents of each volume; i. e., the number of the different types of essays included, and the number of poems, short stories, and book reviews published. These, as of possible interest to someone other than this writer, will appear in Appendix I and Table I, respectively"--Introduction. Show less

Date Issued

1952

Identifier

FSU_historic_akd9126

Format

Thesis

Title

A study of the Bollingen Prize in Poetry.

Creator

Hines, Merne, Reed, Sarah Rebecca, Florida State University

Abstract/Description

"The award selected for this paper was the Bollingen Prize in Poetry, one of the major literary awards and one of the few to be offered by a university. The purpose of this study is to present a brief history of the award itself and to give a critical evaluation of the works of the recipients"--Introduction.